The Victorian Government has released a new framework for managing the State’s groundwater resources.

 

The $2.4 million project was funded by the Federal Government through the National Water Commission’s Rising National Water Standards Program.

 

State Minister for Water, Peter Walsh, said the Groundwater Management Framework was developed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment and rural water corporations with participation from groundwater users, local government and catchment management authorities.

 

Mr Walsh said the new framework aligned the management of Victoria’s groundwater resources with groundwater catchments for the first time.

 

“The framework comprises groundwater basins and catchments that cover 100 per cent of groundwater resources in Victoria, and the new larger management boundaries reflect the geology beneath the ground,” Mr Walsh said.

 

“Groundwater, the out-of-sight source of water beneath the ground, is important for creating secure water supplies to meet growing food and fibre production, for drinking water supplies and to protect environmental values.

 

“The new Groundwater Management Framework enables the planning, management and reporting of this valuable resource to be consistent for all users and will cover all aquifers across the state.

 

“The reliance on Victoria’s groundwater has increased in recent years and, together with improvements in knowledge about the resource, it was clear that the existing management system could be updated to promote greater consistency,” Mr Walsh said.

 

To see groundwater resources in local areas visit www.water.vic.gov.au/groundwater-reports

 

For information on the Groundwater Management Framework visit www.water.vic.gov.au/environment/groundwater